China gets ISBA nod for mining in Indian Ocean

New Delhi: China`s application to carry out
deep sea mining and exploration activities in South-West
Indian Ocean Ridge has been approved by International Seabed
Authority, Parliament was informed on Monday.

Replying to a question in Lok Sabha on the implication of
Chinese dominance in Indian Ocean, Defence Minister A K Antony
said, "Government keeps a constant watch on all developments
concerning our national security and commercial interest and
it takes all necessary measures to safe guard them."
Antony informed Parliament that the China Ocean Mineral
Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA) has
filed its application with the International Seabed Authority
(ISBA) for Deep Sea Mining Exploration Licence and for
approval of its plan.
China has sought approval for exploring polymetallic
sulphides in South-West Indian Ocean Ridge.

"The application has been approved by the International
Seabed Authority in July 2011," the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju,
replying to a question on security implications of import from
China, said government has advised Bharat Electronics Limited
(BEL) to ensure that components of encryption products
manufactured by it are not imported from China.

"Government has taken cognizance of security implications
of import of electronic components from China, especially
while manufacturing encryption products," Raju said.

Raju said, "BEL, a Defence Public Sector Undertaking
(DPSU) which is a manufacturer of strategic defence
electronics system has been advised to ensure that components
of encryption products manufactured by it are not imported
from China."